As Lay Dominicans, also known as Third Order Dominicans, we live out our Christian vocation in the world while striving to grow in the four pillars of Dominican spirituality: prayer, study, community, and apostolate. These pillars serve as a guide for our daily lives, as we seek to deepen our relationship with God and share the fruits of our faith with others. 

Prayer

Prayer is the foundation of Lay Dominican spirituality. Lay Dominicans are called to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through daily prayer and contemplation. This includes participating in the sacramental life of the Church, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and engaging in personal prayer and meditation. By making prayer a priority, Lay Dominicans seek to deepen their understanding of God’s love and to discern his will for their lives.

Study

The Dominican Order has a rich intellectual tradition, and Lay Dominicans are called to study and learn about the faith. This includes studying the Bible, Church teaching, and the writings of the great Dominican theologians and mystics. By deepening their knowledge of the faith, Lay Dominicans are better equipped to share it with others and to grow in their personal relationship with God.

Community

Lay Dominicans are not called to live their faith in isolation but rather in community with others. This includes participating in a local Dominican fraternity or chapter, where they can share their faith with others and receive support and encouragement. Through community life, Lay Dominicans are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love to one another, supporting and encouraging each other in their faith journey.

Apostolate

The final pillar of Lay Dominican spirituality is apostolate, which means sharing the fruits of one’s faith with others. Lay Dominicans are called to be witnesses of the Gospel in their daily lives, whether it be in their families, workplaces, or communities. This includes acts of charity, justice, and evangelization, as they seek to bring the light of Christ to those around them.

By living out their faith in the world, Lay Dominicans are called to be salt and light to those around them, sharing the joy and hope that comes from knowing and following Christ. In conclusion, the four pillars of Lay Dominican spirituality serve as a guide for Lay Dominicans in their daily lives. By cultivating a deep life of prayer, studying and learning about the faith, living in community with others, and sharing the fruits of their faith with others, Lay Dominicans seek to grow in their relationship with God and to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world.